Dahl international AB (publ) preliminary report 1998

DAHL INTERNATIONAL AB (PUBL) Preliminary Report 1998 Net sales rose to MSEK 10,431, an increase of 11 per cent compared with the preceding year. ¤ The result after net financial items was MSEK 262 (192). Items affecting comparability of MSEK 70 were charged to the result for 1997. ¤ The operating result improved in Sweden and Finland. ¤ The Polish operations became wholly owned. ¤ Dahl acquired three heating & sanitation wholesalers in Poland and one in Estonia. Three tool wholesalers were acquired in Denmark. ¤ The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 4.00 (3.00) per share. Dahl Preliminary Report 1998 Dahl is the Nordic countries´ leading wholesale and trading company in the market for heating & sanitation/water & sewer supply and pipe products for industry. Dahl´s sales for the full year 1998 amounted to MSEK 10,431. Dahl has a leading position in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Poland, and a strong position in the Finnish market. Dahl has outlets in over 240 locations, thereby offering both customers and suppliers unequalled accessibility. Sales and result during the period In 1998 net sales rose to MSEK 10,431, an increase of 11 percent compared with the preceding year. Sales in Denmark and Norway were strong early in the year, but gradually declined. In Sweden sales increased by 3 per cent, on a level with market development. Growth in Finland was favourable. Sales in Poland improved by 77 per cent, of which 17 per cent comprised organic growth. However, in the fourth quarter market growth stagnated in Poland. Acquisitions in Denmark, Poland and Estonia contributed sales of approximately MSEK 500. Acquisitions during 1998 Company/date Annual sales at acquisition date Arsanit, Poland, April 98 MPLN 71 Terma, Poland, April 98 MPLN 7 SK Instalator, Poland, Sept. 98 MPLN 12 OP Værktøj, Denmark, Jan. 98 MDKK 60 Maskinkompagniet, Denmark, May 98 MDKK 40 Viholm Værktøj, Denmark, Nov. 98 MDKK 22 Vennad, Estonia, July 98 MEEK 15 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/10/19990210BIT00470/bit0001.doc Full Report http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/10/19990210BIT00470/bit0002.pdf Full Report